ICC prosecutors seek to shorten testimony process for three witnesses in Duterte drug war case

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 05, 2026

Photo Courtesy: ICC

Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court are asking judges to allow the use of previously recorded statements from three witnesses in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, in a move they say could save court time ahead of his trial.

In a filing submitted to the court, the prosecution identified the witnesses as P-0019, P-1032 and P-1409. Their accounts reportedly focus on alleged killings linked to the Davao Death Squad during Duterte’s time as mayor of Davao City.

The prosecution wants the witnesses’ earlier statements, transcripts and supporting materials admitted into the trial record under Rule 68(3) of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence.

If approved, the arrangement would reduce the estimated time for their direct examination from nine hours to three hours, saving at least six hours of court proceedings.

The witnesses would still appear before the court for approximately one hour of supplementary questioning each. Duterte’s defense team would also retain the opportunity to cross-examine them, while judges could ask questions to clarify their accounts.

According to the prosecution, P-0019 described how killings were allegedly normalized in Davao City, including incidents involving individuals publicly identified by Duterte as suspected criminals.

P-1032 reportedly provided information about the alleged existence and operations of the Davao Death Squad, as well as Laud Quarry, which prosecutors say was used as a burial site for victims of drug-related killings.

The testimony of P-1409 also forms part of the prosecution’s evidence concerning alleged killings in Davao City. Some details in the public court filings remain redacted.

The prosecution maintains that the testimonies could help establish the alleged pattern of violence and Duterte’s purported connection to the killings. These remain allegations that must be examined in court.

The request is part of a series of applications seeking to introduce previously recorded witness statements as the ICC prepares for Duterte’s trial, scheduled to begin on November 30.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity involving alleged murders and attempted murders committed during his time as Davao City mayor and as president.

The ICC has yet to rule on the prosecution’s latest application.